Remembrance of the Martyrs of Dragorad: 61 members of the Army of RBiH laid down their lives for the freedom of their homeland

(Patria) - At the Dragorad locality near Ilijaš, tribute was paid today to the martyrs of the local community of Dragoradi from the Third Battalion of the 126th Ilijaš Brigade, who were treacherously killed while defending their homeland from the aggressor in the nineties. 61 of them, while fighting a defensive-liberation war, gave what they held most valuable, their future and ultimately their lives. Flowers were laid today at the memorial at Durića raskršće by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović, who stated on this occasion that at such sites, we always remember heroes, while the aggressor boasts about convicted war criminals.

“In these days, as we are once again faced with attempts to equate heroes with aggressors, to relativize the defense of our honorable Army, we must, stronger than ever, emphasize and convey the truth, so that this narrative does not permanently occupy a place in our history. None of these men chose war or superiority; they were forced to defend their homes and the right to a dignified life. Therefore, any attempt to equate those who committed aggression with those who defended their homes is a blow to the truth and to the memory of our martyrs. Our obligation today is not only to lay flowers and pay tribute, but to preserve the truth and dignity of the struggle of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The martyrs of Dragorad and the entire homeland remain a permanent reminder that freedom, peace, and the state have their price, and it is up to us to be worthy of their sacrifice,” said Minister Osmanović on this occasion.

The memorial at Durića raskršće is located in the center of the local community of

Dragoradi and has special historical significance, as it was precisely in this area that the command of the Third Battalion was formed and the defense of this region was organized. Fighters from this battalion participated in numerous battlefields across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and many laid down their lives defending their homeland.